Fibromyalgia sufferers experience extreme pain over their entire body, which can often cause many difficulties with day-to-day life. Treatments include over the counter and prescription painkillers, physical and occupational therapy, plus counselling to provide tools for managing activities while dealing with pain. Many also find massage a way to temporarily alleviate symptoms. Weighted blankets for fibromyalgia provide the same benefits as massage, and the additional positive is they are also a personal, comforting addition to your home that will become a trusted member of your family.
According to the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association, trigger point therapy and myofacial release techniques employed through massage have shown to help improve the pain associated with fibromyalgia. The long, firm strokes help to break down the fibres, releasing toxins and reducing the pain they create. Along with increased serotonin levels, deep pressure also decreases circulating stress hormones, improves sleep patterns, and provides a better overall sense of well-being. With less pain, moods tend to improve, which allows for a happier, healthier life.
If you have specific pressure points known to help your symptoms, Hippo Hug is able to manufacture your blanket to have weight in identified areas to target those pressure points. Simply ask one of our experts how we can personalize to your needs.
Deep pressure has long been known to assist with the relief of pain. The benefits of deep-pressure touch stimulation were first noted by Temple Grandin, PhD. A weighted blanket mimics the type of pressure applied by a firm touch such as hugging, holding and stroking. A softer touch will stimulate the nervous system, which can result in an increase in pain. The deep pressure touch stimulation offered by weighted blankets for fibromyalgia works by stimulating the production of serotonin, which relaxes and calms. Deep pressure touch stimulation is also known for its ability to decrease heart rates and reduce blood pressure.
Hippo Hug’s custom-made weighted blankets are handmade with exceptional attention to detail. Hippo Hug uses hyper-allergenic ceramic-coated metal disks to provide the weight, which result in a lower profile than other options. They will not spill or leak like weighted blankets made with pellets or beads, and with careful cleaning (we recommend spot-cleaning to start), they will remain in top-notch condition for a long time.
What is Fibromyalgia?
The Mayo Clinic describes fibromyalgia as “disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues.” Fibromyalgia sufferers experience intense pain throughout their bodies because of a misfiring in the way the brain processes pain signals. Sometimes fibromyalgia is triggered by a painful event, however many report a gradual increase in symptoms over time. It may be the result of genetics, although this isn’t always the case.
Researches theorize that abnormally high and constant nerve stimulation causes the brains of fibromyalgia sufferers to alter over time. They believe that there are more neurotransmitters present in the brain, the chemicals that signal where pain is, which results in pain receptors becoming extremely sensitive, overreacting to any sort of light stimulation.
Not surprisingly, fibromyalgia is also associated with extreme fatigue. Functioning through a busy day with the constant irritation of pain throughout the body is exhausting, and the discomfort can make it very hard to sleep. A weighted blanket for fibromyalgia can help provide a good night’s sleep so that you can face the day with increased vigour.
Hippo Sit Weighted Lap Pads
As the constant pain caused by fibromyalgia can make it extremely difficult to concentrate, it’s not uncommon for those diagnosed to report an inability to pay attention when needed. A smaller version of our weighted blankets, Hippo Sit weighted lap pads were specifically designed to be portable for daytime use. Made using a moisture-resistant material and then covered with a cuddly fabric, Hippo Sit weighted lap pads can be made with a handy pocket for your electronics and other objects you need to have nearby, of you can just tuck your hands inside to keep them warm or to disguise fidgeting. We are also developing a cover for other sizes of blankets so that you can fold your blanket into a lap pad size for more versatility of use.
Meditating And Fibromyalgia
A study titled Mindfulness Meditation Alleviates Fibromyalgia Symptoms in Women: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial carried out by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health states that a certain type of meditation called mindfulness meditation, which has been shown to improve memory and focus while reducing fixations on negativity, is beneficial for those with fibromyalgia. The study states that research demonstrated the benefits of mindfulness meditation for those with fibromyalgia by reducing symptoms of pain, depression, psychological distress and anxiety. Using a weighted blanket while meditating can help calm the mind so that you can focus on improving both your body and spirit.
We’re Here to Help
Choosing the right size and weight for your weighted blanket for fibromyalgia is personal. As many experience more severe pain in different parts of theirs bodies, we can design your weighted blanket to apply more pressure in problem areas, and less where it is not needed. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our products, or just come on by our storefront. We look forward to discussing how our quality weighted blankets for fibromyalgia can help improve your life. If you have any additional questions, visit our frequently asked questions page.
